You see, Ratliff is a senior. Within his tenure, Florida and Tennessee have ignited some of the most memorable games in their 87-year history.

Considering four of the past five showdowns have been decided by four points or less, Ratliff holds this rivalry high on his list. So while some may doubt the significance of today's noon showdown in The Swamp, this senior understands.

"Whoever wins this game is setting themselves for the long run and their main goal, which is to make it to Atlanta [for the SEC Championship Game]," Ratliff said.

Ratliff knows firsthand about this rivalry: the bitter disappointment and sweet revenge.

"We know what this game means," senior wide receiver Kelvin Kight said. "It seems like we've been through every kind of emotion in the past four years."

Florida's fourth-year players are the final group to have been a part of a controversial win their freshmen year. They are also among a small group to have experienced the devastating loss a season later.

But it all started with the catch. Former quarterback Jesse Palmer had driven the Gators 91 yards downfield, throwing a final pass to former wide receiver Jabar Gaffney. Ruled a touchdown, the ball hit Gaffney in the chest and quickly bounced out.

"No one has forgotten about that," said Kight, a freshman at the time. "There were a lot of different angles and a lot of different opinions about it."

The next year, with a national title on the line, Tennessee tailback Travis Stephens trampled the Gators' hopes with 226 yards in Steve Spurrier's final game in Gainesville.

"We had some high hopes before that game," senior linebacker Reid Fleming said. "We might have gone to the national championship if we hadn't lost. It just didn't fall our way."

For the Gators, the memories that linger scope beyond last season's 30-13 upset win against the Volunteers in Neyland Stadium. Sure, the win was sweet for coach Ron Zook.

But Florida is supposed to beat Tennessee. After all, Volunteers coach Phillip Fulmer is 3-8 against the Gators.

And so does the memory of Tennessee quarterback Casey Clausen conducting his marching band in 2001 after directing his team to a 34-32 victory at Florida Field, snatching away the Gators' hopes of a national title.

Rocky Top.

Those who played that game remember. And those who didn't have heard about it.

"That just burns in your stomach," linebacker Matt Farrior said. "It's that feeling where you can't wait to get these guys back out here. You can't wait to pound them in the mouth."

As these seniors remember, and as they'll never forget, the last song the Gators heard as they left their field wasn't their own.

"Seeing Mr. Clausen conducting the band was something that kind of burned my behind just a tad bit," offensive tackle Max Starks said earlier in the week. "I've been waiting for this moment since then. I won't say he's a marked man, but after the game, we'll be looking for him to see if he's going to try to direct that band again."

When Tennessee has the ball: The Vols' offense is centered on the running game, specifically TB Cedric Houston, the best back Florida will see until FSU's Greg Jones comes calling Nov. 29. Houston is a 215-pounder who has good speed but also is tough enough to run between the tackles. Backup TB Jabari Davis could start for half the teams in the SEC. QB Casey Clausen has numerous tools, but he never has lived up to his billing. One thing he's missing this season: a go-to receiver. The offensive line is one of the best in the SEC, and its performance against UF's defensive front will determine the outcome. Florida's tackles must hold up. The secondary is solid, and SS Guss Scott will be vital in run support today.

When Florida has the ball: Like the Vols, the Gators want to run today. The offensive line has made big strides from last season, and as many as 10 linemen could paly today. QBs Ingle Martin and Chris Leak still are learning, and a strong running game takes a ton of pressure off them. The receiving corps is deep, albeit somewhat inexperienced. The opportunity for some big plays exists against the Vols' secondary. Tennessee's defensive line is nothing special, but there are some good 'backers, led by Kevin Simon (5-foot-10, 225 pounds). The secondary can be exploited.

Extra points: It's the Southeastern Conference opener for both teams. After winning 24 of 25 at The Swamp, the Gators are 3-2 in their past five conference games at home. But UF has won eight of the past 10 against the Vols.